Dealing with a clogged drain can be a frustrating experience for any homeowner. However, before you call a professional plumber, you can try a few simple DIY methods to unclog the drain yourself.
In this article, we’ll explore five easy ways to fix a clogged drain and get the water flowing smoothly through your plumbing system again.
1. Remove Visible Blockages
One of the simplest ways to fix a clogged drain is to remove any visible blockages. For example, food scraps and debris often accumulate in kitchen sinks, leading to a slow or clogged drain. Use gloves to reach into the drain and extract any visible debris. Be sure to turn off the power to your garbage disposal first.
For bathroom drains, hair is a common culprit behind clogs. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers or a drain cleaning tool to grab the hair and remove it to prevent slow drainage and restore water flow through your plumbing system.
2. Try Baking Soda & Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar can be an effective DIY solution for unclogging drains. Start by pouring half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. The mixture will create a fizzing reaction that can help break down the clog. After about 15 minutes, flush the drain with hot water to clear away the debris.
This method is typically most effective for sink, tub, or shower drains and may not work as well for toilets.
3. Try Dish Soap & Hot Water
If you’re dealing with a greasy clog, dish soap and hot water can come to the rescue. Squirt a generous amount of dish soap into the affected drain and follow it with hot water. The soap will help break down the grease, while the hot water will flush it away.
Be sure to use hot water instead of boiling water, as boiling water could damage the pipes.
4. Use a Plunger
A plunger is a versatile tool that you can use to unclog drains. First, ensure there’s enough water in the sink or tub to cover the bottom of the plunger. Then, place the plunger over the drain and push down firmly, creating a seal. Pump the plunger up and down rapidly for about 20 seconds. The suction and pressure created by the plunger can dislodge the clog and restore proper drainage.
5. Use a Drain Snake
If the previous methods haven’t worked, a drain snake — also known as a plumber’s snake or auger — can be an effective solution. Insert the snake into the drain and twist it clockwise as you push it forward. This motion will help break up the clog, allowing you to pull it out or push it further down the pipe. Drain snakes are available at most hardware stores and are a handy tool to have around for future clogs as well.
Why You May Need Professional Drain Cleaning Services
While these DIY methods can often resolve minor clogs, there are situations where professional drain cleaning services are necessary. Tougher clogs that are deeply lodged in the pipes may require specialized tools and expertise to remove. Additionally, if clogs are left untreated or not fully cleared, they can cause more significant problems within the plumbing system, such as pipe damage or backups.
Choose Genz-Ryan for Drain Cleaning Services in the Twin Cities!
When faced with stubborn clogs or complex plumbing issues, rely on the expertise of a professional plumbing company, like Genz-Ryan Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical.
With decades of plumbing experience and a team of highly trained experts, Genz-Ryan provides reliable and efficient drain cleaning services throughout the Twin Cities area and beyond. We even offer video pipe inspections to locate hidden clogs quickly.
If you’re dealing with a clogged drain, don’t wait to get help. Call us at (612) 223-6158 now to schedule an appointment with our experienced plumbers!
